1. Reliability: Metal cartridges provide better reliability compared to paper cartridges. They are less susceptible to moisture, which can cause paper cartridges to swell and become difficult to load or fire. Metal cartridges also better withstand rough handling and storage conditions.
2. Durability: Metal cartridges are also more durable than paper cartridges. They can be reused multiple times without significant degradation, making them more economical in the long run.
3. Improved Performance: Metal cartridges allow for higher chamber pressures, resulting in improved performance in terms of velocity, range, and accuracy. This is because the metal casing can contain the higher pressures generated by smokeless powder, which was introduced around the same time as metal cartridges.
4. Faster Reloading: Metal cartridges facilitate faster reloading compared to paper cartridges. The use of stripper clips or en bloc clips allowed soldiers to quickly load multiple rounds into their rifles, increasing the rate of fire.
5. Better Sealing: Metal cartridges provide a better seal between the chamber and the barrel, reducing the chances of gas leakage. This results in improved accuracy and efficiency.
Overall, the adoption of metal cartridges brought significant improvements in the performance, reliability, and usability of new carbine rifles, contributing to the advancement of military firearms technology and warfare tactics.
